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 Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:36 pm
She was only slightly moist, there not being another dew in a five by five patch of land to completely soak a full grown lioness, but she felt refreshed and rejuvenated never the less. She felt like she could face the day again, and face more walking. Someday she'd find a new home, she knew that much, and she would walk until she found it. There was no settling for just anything, whatever it was had to practically scream home and tie her there by the heart. She was oblivious to the heartbeats that were growing in her abdomen, so slight and insignificant that she hadn't even an inkling that she was expecting. There was much time before then. They'd only been concieved a week ago, so she had no idea that they should have a role in her decision making.
No, until then, she would wander. She would find a home based on her own heart's yearnings, and perhaps that was the best for the unborn as well. Treading forward, it was sometime before she noticed the other lion a short distance from her. All the dew had melted away, but her pelt was still damp. Deciding she could do with a conversation, she hesitated only briefly before she smiled and called out, "Good day!" So as not to startle whomever it was.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:45 pm
Lost, that was right, lost. The big Pride Lander was lost in the rogue lands looking for a rogue family that he called his own. Though they had not stayed they were still family. His family. The leopard-lioness family and their hybrid children were bound to be somewhere. He had asked oldest half-brother Trig if he knew their whereabouts but he came up with nothing but dead ends. After wandering for a moon cycle or two, and now he was utterly lost. He had no idea where the Ocean was! If he could find that, he would be able to locate Trig's cove and from there, the Pride Lands. If he cannot find his family, another time will be indeed needed to look for them again.
Ger, the golden lion with pure teal eyes roamed across the savanna with sinking determination. Where was that family of his? Athena? Kohji? Kujack? Aysha? He was growing worried that perhaps something had happened to them, but whatever happens, they must know that he would be out there trying to find them. He had asked a few lions and other inhabitants that were friendly enough to help to discover that he was really far from the Ocean, at least the one he knew of. he had never heard of half the places he was wondering but some have murmured a place called something highlands. Not that he knew what a highland was, but if he went there, perhaps he might find something. Perhaps not.
Just as he was about to rest and think, something called out. Ger's teal eyes jerked around before letting out a roar that just responded, no need for words.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:52 pm
Adia had never been lost. Of course, she'd never traveled far enough from home before in order to become lost. Now that she had, she wasn't going anywhere in particular and without a destination in mind, becoming lost was definitely hard to do. She knew the ocean was at her back, and she knew that ahead were new places and new things to discover. That was all that mattered. This lion appeared lost, his hulking bulk practically reverbrating confusion and uncertainty as she drew nearer. His roaring greeting made her jump slightly, mildly disconcerted as in her home pride no one roared. Not unless they were angry, and yet this male didn't seem angry. Just... lost. Her white tipped tail swayed for a moment before she continued through the grass so that she was more visible to him.
Pink eyes glinting with curiousity, she sat almost immediately so that he could sit as well. It was habit. Females sat first, and she sat as quick as she could, typically, so that the males could sit as well. It was only polite, afterall. She inclined her head, unaccustomed to greeting people first so not entirely sure what to say. At last she settled for a simple, "Hello. It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Yes, talk about the weather. That was good. She gave him a sweet smile before adding, "I'm Adia'dafina."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:58 pm
"Indeed it is, Adia'dafina," he dipped his head in respect toward the female and smiled a charming smile that he had kept from his adolescent years. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Ger of the Pride Lands." he replied before sitting straight. Looking her over quickly, he did not want to seem rude to star. She was a slender female, full grown, and her features were quite unique. He had not quite met many with pink eyes or such a fur pattern like hers. Looking at her carefully, he noticed that her belly was a bit different. Even in pregnant females, and he knew this well, the presence was evident of pregnancy. However, even if one stared for days, it would look nothing more than someone had at a little too much and that "fat" would disappear a few days later. He did not know what it was, and thus said nothing.
"I did not expect for another lionesses to greet me out here, so it is safe to assume you are a rogue female?" he questioned politely. The more he thought about it, it seemed a lot of the young cub he knew as his son was rubbing on him. He was a lot more polite to the females and his manners were close to his son's! If only he knew what his son was up to at this moment. Tsk.
"May I ask where did you come from? Everyone comes from somewhere."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:17 pm
Ah, now this was how lions were supposed to act. She appreciated not being referred to by a nickname that reserved for only friends and family. This lion was no friend yet, by any means. Perhaps he could earn such a title before they parted, perhaps not. That was yet to be seen and she was glad he wasn't so presumptious as to assume that he had or would. She inclined her own head as well when he dipped his, as if curtseying to his bow. She sat still beneath his glances, as well as looking him over as well. He was large, and muscular. A pleasant golden hue that reminded her of a setting sun, rather than the pale globe that rose now. The sunset was much more vivid, while the sunrise, though not ugly - was paler and more dreamy as if it were still gripped by night. "It is a pleasure, Ger of the Pride Lands."
If his son was as polite as the father, she would like to meet him. As it was, the lioness merely smiled at his questioning and nodded her asent, "I am a rogue, I suppose. But only newly so."
His statement made her smile as she chuckled softly, eyes twinkling as she glanced down at the shell laying on her chest. "We do, indeed. I come from the coast, but not from a pride you would know. We kept mostly to ourselves."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:25 pm
"A pride to the coast, never heard such of a thing. My half-brother resides there and he knows lots of things but he mentioned no pride. Though, he does keep to himself so I would guess he wouldn't know anything that went out that wasn't inside his cove or his own mind," the male laughed and smiled as it died off. She was quite the polite female, Zeki would have loved to meet someone as polite as her, she would have liked to meet him to. She was a rogue and a new one, hopefully the belly was just fat for if she was pregnant, being a lone female was quite the situation. Heat brought males from all around to her and that was quite dangerous. However, if her belly was what it was, then she had pushed past the rough part of becoming a rogue. Then again, there was the chance of... blah, he was rambling to himself now.
Ger smiled.
"By chance do you know the direction to the coast? Normally, I can track my way back but it has been too long since I have left my home and I can't quite retrace my steps. If I can retrace my steps to here and follow your directions to the coast, I might be able to find my half-brother and then home."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:39 pm
She nodded, shrugging as if to say there was nothing to help such matters before she explained, "My pride has always kept mostly to themselves and not many have heard of them because of it." Pink eyes looking from the horizon to Ger, she offered him another smile as she chuckled, "I think I'm the first to leave them in some time." A princess had left first, at that. She wondered briefly if they were missing her, but instead she laughed softly at his words, "And we would have noticed if we were in his cove."
She returned his smile, tilting her head to one side as she listened to him speak. He was headed towards the coast? How ironic. Once he had finished his explanation, she tossed her head behind her slightly to motion that direction. "Straight at my back. I've not changed direction. After hunting, I go the same way I have. It is a week that way, with rest and hunting considered."
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:45 pm
"Ah, that's wonderful! I shall keep that in mind," he looked around for a landmark to remember this point. He spotted a knocked over tree mounded on a pile of rocks. Surely that would be easy to remember. Registering it to his mind, his attention returned to the female. "Thank you for the help."
Ger smiled, she reminded him a bit of Trina... oh he missed her so, he could not wait to get back to her and remind her who loved her most. "Well, a secluded pride keeps itself safe. No one can harm something they do not know about, correct? So it helps the pride survive, though some may find it cowardice, you are putting your pride first to keep it safe," he nodded. "Being the first to leave is a lot of pressure, you must have left a lot behind, perhaps a broken heart or two?" the adult gave a wink and then a bold laugh. "I only kid you."
"So, Adia'dafina, let me ask you this, do you ever see yourself as a mother? If you were to have ever have cubs, do you think you can take great care of them?" he asked out of pure curiosity. "I am a father myself with my mate and son. I do believe I am doing quite well for a father, and I hope that he is doing well on his own. Hopefully, this time apart from his father will get him to learn on his own."
If only he knew.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:59 pm
"You're quite welcome." She returned, nodding her head slightly as she did so. His talk about her pride made her ego bristle just a tad. She was a princess, afterall, and proud of her domain even if she had left it behind. Those reasons were seperate from her pride, and discreet secrets that she would take to the grave if she could. The unborn children growing in her womb that she knew nothing of? They would never know their father. They would know only what Adia told them, and that would be missing quite a few links of the truth. She would not allow them to grow in shame.
Despite these thoughts, her facial expression didn't change as he spoke and when she answered, it was in a calm and collected tone. She was bred and raised royalty, no matter how small the pride. "I left quite a bit behind," her head dipped and she laughed softly, "including a broken heart or two, but nothing that I'll miss too terribly." That wasn't entirely a lie. Adia had buried her love with her father. She was not meant to marry the lord's son, then she wasn't meant to. Surely, her heart ached sometimes if she dwelled too long on it, but there was nothing to be done.
His next question was certainly... personal, and she jolted in a bit of surprise that even good graces could not catch in time. She recovered gracefully, however, pink eyes looking to him as she decided he was merely being polite and attempting conversation. His inquiry had direct, but that was alright. Lions were different outside of her pride, and at least he was still calling her by her full name, "I do, and I believe I will. I have faith in my upbringing and think I will do all I can to raise any of my own children to the best of my abilities."
She hesitated before countering, "You have a son? Grown?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:08 pm
"That is good then, at least you knew love at one point and that should push you on to find another to keep you company as a rogue," he nodded. He knew his feelings for his brother, Ezeoha, mate, Trina, and his mother drove him to return him even taking his family back. Though they did not stay, something came out of it. He was home at last with his love and the cub they raised together.
"Well then, that certainly solves that. You'll become a good mother to any cubs you raise, you are determined I can see that in your eyes. I am sure your faith will carry that determination and those cubs will grow to be the very best their mother would want from them! And their father's love will be with them too, I am sure," hopefully he did not hit a nerve with that. She being a rogue and the father was not around, something might have prevented him from being here, he flicked his ears back before moving closer to her. Perhaps his company will give some sort of comfort no matter what it was. She was a beautiful female, she certainly needed some company.
"Why yes, his name's Ezekiel though he prefers Zeki most of the time. He's about grown by now. I bet I missed him growing his mane, but I will be there to see the results of his aging. I cannot let that little guy go on without his father, now can I?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:26 pm
She nodded slowly, agreeing, "It is good to know love, and family as well. It teaches you what is worth fighting for." Fairly certain that sounded appropriate, she said naught else as she listened to him continue.
It didn't strike her in any particular fashion when he mentioned the father of some future cubs. She had no idea she was pregnant, so had no reason to think of her left love. No reason to think about his marriage with her elder sister and the cubs conception that they, no doubt, were rejoicing over. She watched him move closer to her, but didn't shy away. The movement confused her slightly, but she decided to attribute it to merely the flow of conversation. They were talking and getting to know one another, and so becoming more comfortable. Why wouldn't he move closer? "Thank you. I'm sure they will have a wonderful father, as well." That was the best response she could come up with, and she was glad when he answered her questions about his son.
"Ezekiel? That is a wonderful name. Strong." The fact that this lion was missing on the growth of his son was somewhat sad, but she knew better than to pass any sort of judgement on the situation, "Surely you will have plenty more events to partake in when you return. Perhaps he will take a mate when you are there again?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:34 pm
"With how devilishly handsome and the blood that runs through him, females will come flocking! He won't have just one litter, oh no, that boy will be fathering many. And knowing me, I will be the one stuck caring for them all!" he let out a hearty laugh. He knew his son was handsome. He knew he had good blood. He knew his son was very polite and mindful of his manners that at least one female would go to him, whoever it was, he would support the choices they make. Ger knew that one day that he would have to let Zeki go, live out on his own. Hopefully... he will be alright without his father by his side to guide him.
"I do hope that he finds his true love just as I have. It would kill me if he was pained over such a loss. Don't get me wrong, Adia'dafina, he's a good male, he has a good head on those shoulders, but it is the females I cannot trust for I did not raise them. Though he is strong, I am not sure if his heart is just as. I just hope... that when I return, he has someone to be with, frankly, I do not mind who as long as he is happy, that is what matters most to me when it comes to my son. His happiness," he smiled, his tone sincere and caring. He was honest and true, his heart spoke then about his loving son as a caring father. "That is all a parent can do, raise his cubs to the best they can be and let them out into the world, hoping and praying for their happiness and safety."
He missed his son muchly.
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Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:59 pm
Adia found her smile slowly broadening as he spoke of his son, admiring his obvious adoration of the young lion. She did hope to meet him one day as well as he seemed like a good male with the right things in mind, even if he would apparently father a number of litters. She supposed that wasn't so bad. She was quickly discovering among lions out of her own pride that it wasn't uncommon for a male to take multiple mates rather than one for the rest of their lives. It didn't seem half as unnatural as she thought it would be, but she wasn't completely sure if it was a life she would want. Various fathers for the cubs she had throughout her life. The idea of a family was highly intoxicating and she wanted it very much, conventional or not.
"I'm sure he will find his true love. He sounds as if you raised him to be a good lion." She understood his words about parenting, and only hoped her parents weren't entirely disappointed in her. Then again, her living mother had no idea what had conspired between herself and the lord. Her deceased father might've learned of it through his death and ascenscion, but who really knew what happened when one died. There were only guesses, and she could hope that he didn't know either.
"I'm afraid I should continue on." She purred, a smile still gracing her features as she spoke. "But it was a pleasure to meet you, Ger." The lioness pulled herself to her feet and made as if to start off before she hesitated, "Next time we meet, call me Adia." She felt somewhat awkward bestowing such an honor on someone she'd known for so short a time, but he was kind and she might consider him a friend if not only a friendly face the next time they met. "Again, it was nice to meet you. Travel well and good luck finding your half-brother."
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